On July 29, 2025, the Carlsbad City Council approved a plan to explore the installation of wildfire monitoring cameras on city-owned properties as part of a partnership with the University of California San Diego’s ALERTCalifornia program and the Carlsbad Municipal Water District.

The ALERTCalifornia program operates a statewide network of over 1,100 fire cameras, providing real-time imagery and data to assist first responders with early wildfire detection, situational awareness and emergency response.

At the direction of the City Council, the Carlsbad Fire Department will evaluate viable locations for camera installation. This includes conducting research and public outreach with residents who may be affected before any final determinations are made about specific sites.

“This is an important step forward in enhancing our city’s wildfire readiness,” said Carlsbad Division Chief and Fire Marshal Darcy Davidson. “We are committed to working closely with the community and taking a thoughtful, informed approach to each potential installation.”

One possible location under review is at the La Costa High Reservoir site on Corintia Street in the La Costa Ridge neighborhood. As part of the city’s outreach efforts, a community meeting was held on July 30 to gather feedback, answer questions and provide project details.

The ALERTCalifornia cameras are equipped with advanced features including high-definition, 360-degree views, night vision and remote pan-tilt-zoom capabilities. The cameras are designed to monitor natural hazards only and include privacy safeguards such as image blurring when homes are visible.

This effort reflects the city’s ongoing commitment to improving public safety and wildfire response capabilities while maintaining transparency and engagement with the community.

For more information, visit www.carlsbadca.gov/firemitigation.